Bold Sichuan flavors in Hell's Kitchen, w/ tingly tofu pudding & tender rabbit. Worth the Times Sq. trek!
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Sky Pavilion, a Hell's Kitchen Sichuan restaurant that offers bold flavors like tingly tofu pudding and tender stir-fried rabbit, making it a worthwhile destination even in Times Square.
Nestled in Hell's Kitchen, Sky Pavilion offers an authentic Sichuan experience that makes venturing into Times Square worthwhile. While the atmosphere is unfussy, the bold, tingly flavors of dishes like their tofu pudding and tender stir-fried rabbit are a true culinary highlight. The menu also caters to those less inclined towards spice, with Shanghainese and American Chinese options available, alongside dim sum. It's a great spot for groups and pre-theater dining, and the BYOB policy is a welcome bonus.
Sky Pavilion specializes in Sichuan and Chinese cuisine, with a strong emphasis on bold and spicy flavors. Diners rave about dishes like the Kung Pao (recommended in Chinese style), dry chili chicken, and tingly tofu pudding. While many find the food excellent, some mention it can be quite spicy and a bit pricey. For those seeking milder options, they also offer Shanghainese dishes and dim sum.
"Highly recommended are the Kung Pao (specifically the Chinese style preparation), dry chili chicken, and the tingly tofu pudding. Soup dumplings also received a positive mention."
Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards Sky Pavilion, appreciating its authentic and often spicy Sichuan cuisine, with specific praise for dishes like Kung Pao and dry chili chicken. Some found certain dishes a bit pricey for the portion, but overall, the food quality is highly regarded.
Important Note
While the restaurant is praised for its authentic Sichuan flavors, some dishes, like the Kung Pao, can be extremely spicy and may be perceived as a bit pricey for the portion. There's also a note that the 'Chinese style' Kung Pao is different from the Americanized version.
"Sky Pavilion is mentioned as a potentially tourist-friendly option in the Times Square area."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion is suggested as a Chinese restaurant option."
Positive"Sky Pavilion is mentioned as a restaurant recommendation."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion, located on 42nd street near 8th avenue, was recommended."
Neutral"This commenter suggested trying Chongqing chicken or Laziji, describing it as similar to the dish at Sky Pavilion but drier, with more cumin tones, and without peanuts."
Neutral"The commenter noted the similarity of the dish to Chongqing Chicken (La Zi Ji) from Sichuan cuisine, characterized by numbing peppercorns and abundant chilis. They pointed out it's typically a drier dish than Kung Pao and suggested checking Sichuan restaurants for similar options with varying names."
Neutral"The commenter expressed excitement about trying the dish, appreciating the tip for finding spicy Kung Pao."
Positive"Expressing interest in trying the dish due to a preference for extra spicy food."
Positive"The author shared their experience with the Kung Pao chicken from Sky Pavilion, describing it as very spicy with good chicken but an abundance of chilis and peppercorns. They found it a bit too pricey for what it is, ultimately rating it a B+."
Negative"The author found the Dan Dan noodles at Sky Pavilion to be just okay, expecting more. However, they thought the soup dumplings were great."
Neutral"This user recommended Sky Pavilion, stating it is excellent and pretty spicy."
Positive"This comment provides additional information about Sky Pavilion's lunch special, noting it is priced at $12 and advising to ask for the lunch menu as they might initially be given the regular menu."
Neutral"The user intends to try Sky Pavilion after receiving a recommendation for their Kung Pao."
Neutral"This user recommends getting the Kung Pao from Sky Pavilion near Port Authority, advising to ask for the Chinese style (not American) for a more traditional preparation with peanuts, chicken, chili, and Sichuan peppercorns."
Positive"The user confirms Sky Pavilion is great, appreciating that the food quality doesn't necessarily match the decor and vibe."
Positive"The user asks if anyone has tried Sky Pavilion and plans to report back after visiting the following weekend."
Neutral"This commenter mentioned Sky Pavilion in Hell's Kitchen as having a good new-school variant of the dry chili chicken dish."
Positive"This user expresses their liking for Sky Pavilion on 42nd Street, specifically for its Chinese food."
Positive"A user recommends Sky Pavillion as a good option for takeout."
Positive"The user recommends Sky Pavilion for those who enjoy spicy Sichuan food, suggesting it as a good option for the original poster."
Positive
